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The Magical Balance of Isidro From Itch to Stitch

Quick. Easy. Versatile. Feminine. Wardrobe-builder. 
Spring is springing here in Michigan. I recently went through my closets and pulled out all my warmer weather wear. Sifting through it, I'm realizing I have mostly pretty closet orphans. What I really need to make is some better-than-basic basics. This is where Isidro Top from Itch to Stitch comes into play. Isidro is quick to make, feels great to wear, can be worn a million ways, has great feminine details, but is still basic enough that you can have many, and not look like you are wearing the same top over and over. That's kind of a magical balance.

Pattern Details

Isidro Top is drafted for knits with 50-75% stretch. Most sizes/views need only 1 yard or less fabric! (only the larger sizes with sleeves need a smidge more... like 1.25 yards) Testers used everything from DBP (like me) to rayon spandex and even light French terry. With some cute details, it's a quick but not boring make that can coordinate with practically everything. Check out the announce post HERE to see all the tester versions and styling.

Design Features

-Gathered center front neckline
-Round scoop neckline
-Sleeveless "muscle" tank or butterfly sleeve option
-Shoulders of both sleeve types and neckline finished with bands
-Butterfly sleeve can be hemmed, or left raw

Fit Notes

I did not make a muslin for this top. I know, but sometimes I don't. I sewed a straight 10 based on my measurements and was so pleased with the results. What you are seeing on this blue striped version is straight off the printer, with only my normal 1/2 inch forward shoulder adjustment. For my purple rose version, I did add 1/2 inch of length at the hip to be sure I could easily tuck it in.

The Neckline

This pattern is very straight forward and won't take you much time at all. Some slinky fabrics may cause you headaches when working the center front gathers, but I found my go-to technique of double gathering rows plenty to keep control with my DBP. You can see the difference.
I like to keep one row of stitches inside the seam allowance, and one out. It can be a pain in the ass to unpick that outer row later, but it's worth it to me for the stability I have sewing the gathers. 

The Flutterfly Sleeve

I really love the short flutter length of this butterfly sleeve. It adds a delicate flounce and totally takes the feel of the top into "blouse" territory. 
The sleeve is very gently gathered and sandwiched in between the bodice and the armband for sewing. This creates a super clean finish at the armhole, so when the wind catches the flounce, you aren't exposing any seams. It's pretty clever.
Just be sure you are paying attention when you pin it all together. If you are listening to a passionate reenactment of your son's last video game mission, you might end up having to unpick and reinsert your sleeve, like me. That is not recommended.
This is WRONG. Don't do this!

Final Photos

Both my Isidro Tops are great makes that will be worn all the time. 


You can get a copy of Isidro Top in the Itch to Stitch shop for 20% off NOW through April 29, 2019. 

Fabric for my Purple Rose version came from Simpy by Ti. It is still available HERE.

Fabric for my Teal Stripe version came from a So Sew English bundle deal which is no longer available. This royal blue listing looks to be very similar.

Be sure to join us in the Itch to Stitch Facebook Group to share your makes, get help and find inspiration for all things Itch to Stitch!


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